Greenwich Village Block Associations NewsAn Occasional Publication from the Greenwich Village Block Associations & An Open Community Forum |
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In 1999, the GVBA initiated Village Stoop Day, which is celebrated on the Saturday before Memorial Day Week-End. Using 'the stoop' as a symbol, it recognizes the neighborliness which distinguishes Greenwich Village. Residents are encouraged to spend some time getting to know each other better and celebrating their community. The first Stoop Day was also intended as a way for Villagers to get to know their beat cops. In the aftermath of September 11th, our community and the support we offer to each other has become even more significant. The original stoops of the Netherlands were designed to keep ever encroaching flood waters at bay.....to fend off disaster. Ironically, the original metaphor has been painfully enhanced. Mental health experts tell us that the long term emotional effects of that tragic day for those of us who witnessed the disaster or suffered personal losses are yet unknown, but we do know how important we are to each other and how vital our sense of community is towards our eventual emotional healing. In a renewed commitment to the spirit of Greenwich Village, celebrate this year's Village Stoop Day on May 18th even if it's by saying hello to someone you never spoke to before. |